Distress in Transvaal Colony.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the degree of poverty and distress now prevailing in the rural districts of the Transvaal Colony; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any action in the matter.

Any distress which may exist is a matter which must be dealt with by the responsible Government of the Colony, but my hon. and gallant friend has no doubt noted that His Majesty's Government propose to guarantee a loan of £5,000,000 to the Transvaal.

SIR GILBERT PARKER

inquired if any part of the £5,000,000 loan for the Transvaal was to be devoted to the relief of the settlers?